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Britain's boxing star will be upgraded to WBO heavyweight champion after Oleksandr Usyk decided to relinquish his championship belt

This situation arises after Usyk told boxing authorities he would avoid a obligatory title fight against the British challenger

WBO Statement

The WBO stated that Usyk had "elected to relinquish his championship following careful thought"

Usyk still holds the three major championship belts, having overcome Daniel Dubois at the national stadium in the summer month to become a double undisputed champion

He initially achieved the complete unified champion in May 2024 by overcoming Tyson Fury, before vacating another belt a month afterwards and choosing to avoid the mandatory challenger

"Organization head Gustavo Olivieri described Usyk as exceptional in a statement"

"Officials expressed its profound respect, admiration and gratitude to Oleksandr Usyk, an unbeaten multi-division champion"

"His record represents one of the most remarkable and significant of the recent fighting history"

The WBO added that its organization will always welcome Usyk and his team"

Belt Timeline

Usyk secured the championship in 2021 by overcoming Joshua and went on to defend it four times

In summer, the WBO had ordered negotiations for a obligatory championship fight against New Zealand's Parker, only for a Usyk's physical issue to require rescheduling of the contest

Wardley's Rise

But Wardley, 30, captured the temporary championship from the New Zealander with a huge upset in the 11th round at the famous London arena recently and was ordered to fight the champion before the end of September

The championship body still needs to verify the title change but his promoter Frank Warren believes it is a certainty

"Britain has a new heavyweight world champion and a emerging fighting personality"

"One of the most incredible stories I've seen in my 45 years as a boxing representative and I could not be happier for the British fighter"

"Significant bouts in the future for next year as he protects his championship and builds his reputation in the fighting community"

Wardley entered the sport at twenty years old, emerging from the amateur circuit and has had a limited professional record

Coming Challenges

• The likely championship upgrade represents an important development in the division
• The Ukrainian's move to give up the championship creates fresh possibilities for other contenders
• The sport now anticipates verification from the boxing organization
• The champion's path from alternative background to world champion continues to inspire many